'Law & Order': Sam Waterston talks Jack McCoy's return and losing coveted TV record to 'SVU' - Yahoo! Voices

"Law & Order" makes a heralded return to NBC Thursday (8 EST/PST), 12 years after the beloved police procedural that spawned a cadre of spin-offs was unceremoniously canceled in 2010 after 20 seasons.

However, it's the return of Sam Waterston, the noble face of "Law & Order," that makes this homecoming complete. Stepping right back in as District Attorney Jack McCoy, it seems like the veteran Waterston, 81, never left the building. Would creator and producer Dick Wolf have even considered a "Law & Order" return without Waterston, who brought his indelible character to the show in 1994's Season 5?

"Fortunately we never had to face that question," Wolf says, over email. "It was always my intent to have Sam return. I’m glad he said yes."

Waterston joins returning cast members Anthony Anderson (as Det. Kevin Bernard) and a cast of newcomers including Camryn Manheim, Jeffrey Donovan and Hugh Dancy. He spoke to USA TODAY about what to expect in the revival.

Court is back in session:: NBC will bring back original 'Law & Order' for 21st season

Question: Dick Wolf has been obsessed with rectifying this cancellation "mistake." Did you ever get fatigued discussing a return over the 12-year absence?

Sam Waterston: I really did think that it was a dream and that he was not going to have the outcome he sought. But perseverance furthers, and has he ever been persistent. It's wonderful to be part of helping him realize what really has been a decade-long dream.

Q: "Law & Order: SVU" eventually broke the 20-season TV drama record set by "Gunsmoke." But if not for the cancellation, that would have been "Law & Order." Were you bummed to be record-blocked?

Waterston: Definitely. That was seriously disappointing. And then it's very rude that "SVU" has gotten ahead of us. We'll never catch up now. They'll go on forever, and we'll be behind them panting for breath

source: https://money.yahoo.com/amphtml/law-order-returns-sam-waterston-004631916.html

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